Beam in Notting Hill is a real breath of fresh air. Bright, clean and airy, it’s got that laid-back buzz you want from a brunch spot, even if it edges into slightly chaotic territory when it’s busy (which, let’s be honest, is most of the time — and that’s usually a good sign).
First impressions? Slick. A smart white frontage with huge windows flooding the space with natural light, and a few outdoor tables for those brave enough to tackle London’s unpredictable weather. As you walk in, there’s a cosy little lounge area with squashy armchairs and pops of mustard yellow that make it feel more like a trendy living room. The perfect little corner to grab yourself a smoothie before brunch.
Now, the queue situation deserves its own round of applause. Instead of hovering awkwardly by the door, Beam runs a virtual queue through the Dojo app. Scan the QR code when you arrive, and go for a wander (or, in our case, hover nearby). They’ll ping you when your table’s ready — no standing around in the cold, no passive-aggressive loitering. We only waited around ten minutes for a table for three, despite the crowd outside.
Inside, the vibe is pure easy-going cool. Terracotta walls, natural wood furniture, leafy plants and globe pendant lights give it a welcoming, slightly boho feel. It’s packed but not claustrophobic, and there’s a steady buzz of chatter that, in this case, adds to the ambience.
Onto the food — and honestly, this is where Beam shines. Their all-day breakfast and brunch menus are packed with Middle Eastern twists on familiar classics. I went for the Mushroom Flatbread: grilled mushrooms stacked on a soft laffa flatbread, with preserved lemon infused labneh, grilled spring onions, mixed herbs, a poached egg, and romesco sauce. That labneh? Creamy, zingy, rich — basically everything you want but will absolutely fail to replicate at home. Easily the star of the plate.
One of our lot ordered the Beam Benedict: shawarma spiced lamb patty, homemade pickled red cabbage, crispy eggs on a muffin, finished with a harissa hollandaise. If you’ve never had deep-fried poached eggs before, prepare to have your life changed.
Coffee-wise, I stuck to my usual iced oat latte. First round was a little watery and heavy on the ice, which was a shame, but the house roast at least saved it from being a total flop. Not enough to spoil things though — just one of those minor blips.
Beam is proudly family-owned, drawing on their Middle Eastern heritage to give brunch a much-needed shake-up. It’s not just food for food’s sake — there’s a real sense of love and tradition baked into everything they serve.
Service was a little stretched — it felt like they could have done with an extra pair of hands or two — and it took a few waves to get attention. That said, the staff were friendly and working flat out, so it’s hard to grumble.
All in all, Beam is the kind of place that makes you want to linger. It’s cosy, vibrant, and the food is properly brilliant. We’ll definitely be heading back — next time, I’m getting the Nutella...
Read moreIf you're looking for a restaurant that serves delicious breakfast and brunch dishes in London, look no further than Beam in Westbourne Grove. This cozy and inviting eatery is known for its fresh and locally-sourced ingredients and friendly service. I recently had the pleasure of dining at Beam and was blown away by the quality of the food and the overall ambiance of the restaurant.
One of the standout dishes on the menu is the Shakshuka. This North African-inspired dish features eggs poached in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, and it's served with warm bread for dipping. The Shakshuka at Beam is simply outstanding, with a perfect balance of heat and flavor that will wake up your taste buds.
Another highlight of the menu is the breakfast burrito. This dish is a perfect blend of classic breakfast ingredients, including scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and avocado, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. The breakfast burrito at Beam is generously portioned and bursting with flavor, making it a great option for a hearty brunch.
Finally, I have to mention the Turkish eggs. This dish features poached eggs served on a bed of thick and creamy Greek yogurt, with a drizzle of chili oil and a sprinkle of herbs. The Turkish eggs at Beam are a unique and flavorful twist on a classic breakfast dish, and they're a must-try for anyone looking for something a little different.
In addition to these standout dishes, the rest of the menu at Beam is equally impressive. The coffee is expertly prepared and the pastries are fresh and flaky. The service at Beam is friendly and attentive, making for a delightful dining experience.
Overall, I highly recommend Beam in Westbourne Grove for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch in London. With its cozy ambiance, friendly service, and outstanding menu, it's a must-visit for foodies and brunch-lovers alike. Don't miss out on the Shakshuka, breakfast burrito, or Turkish eggs – they're some of the best dishes you'll...
Read moreMy Friend and I met up for a Sunday brunch & we decided to visit Beam in Notting Hill (Westbourne Grove) which, I came across via socials.
From the pictures the food looked good and the space very inviting - minimal simplistic vibes. I arrived a little earlier than our arranged meeting time and it was a good thing as there was a small queue forming outside. Beam only offers walk ins as an option to dine in so if you arrive during their busy hours you may be met with at an hour to an hour and half wait. We decided to walk around the area whilst we virtually queued in their system and then we were notified our table was ready so was seated around 3pm after waiting about an hour and 15mins. However, when I tell you it was worth the wait it really was. The food was great and the service superb. The waitress made us feel very relaxed, greeted us with a smile and warm welcome and didn't at all seem phased by how busy service for them had been. The only upset of the day was that we didn't get the opportunity to try their French Toast 😩 as it had sold out when it came to order around 5pm ish. Our waitress said its very popular and it was evident as everyone around us had ordered it and that was part of the reason for us wanting to add it on as it looked so good. I'll defo be heading back to give it a try but overall I enjoyed my first time experience at their establishment and would recommend them for a cute and chilled brunch spot in West London...
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